A chronic on-street alcoholic has questioned in court, through his solicitor, the attitude of Derry City Council in relation to implementing its city centre street drinking by-laws.

James Brolly (52), from Foyle Road in the city, pleaded guilty at the city’s Magistrate's Court to five charges of drinking at various city centre locations last May.

He was prosecuted by the council and fined £75.

Brolly's solicitor Walter Hegarty told District Judge Barney McElholm that his client, a “chronic alcoholic”, felt that the council was sending out “mixed messages” on its drinking policy by allowing an occasional drinking license for the three-week long Continental Christmas Market which is to be held in the city next month.